All Whites score historic win at Eden Park
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The All Whites have claimed their first ever win over South American opposition, beating Chile 4-1 at Eden Park in Auckland’s final FIFA Series match.
It was the final game at home prior to leaving for the World Cup and the first victory over a South American nation in 20 attempts.
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Early in the game New Zealand goalkeeper Alex Paulsen forced into an acrobatic save in the opening minutes.
The feisty encounter taking just 10 minutes to see its first card, as Joe Bell was booked.
The All Whites’ early insistence looked to have paid off when Tyler Bindon had the ball in the back of the net in the 13th minute. The defender putting his body on the line to get his head on a free kick but it was chalked off for offside.
Things though did get worse for the visitors though, as Chile were reduced to 10 men in the 27th minute after Dario Osorio was sent off for two yellow cards in the space of four minutes. Both times fouling Kosta Barbarouses.
Barbouses responded in a positive way The All Whites striker was left unmarked at the far post during a corner, slashing home the opening the goal of the contest.
Minutes later captain Marko Stamenic nearly doubled New Zealand’s lead as he marched into the Chile box, only to have his shot kept out by Chilean goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux’s outstretched legs.
The All Whites would get their second goal eventually though. Eli Just sliding onto a chipped pass from Joe Bell following a corner. Although the forward was made to wait to celebrate the strike, following a lengthy VAR check for offside that took more than four minutes.
Down 2-0 at halftime, the La Roja faithful found their voice again as Chile pushed on to get themselves back in the match after the break.
It proved in vain for the South Americans though, as Jesse Randall bundled home from close range at the far post after a cross from Kosta Barbarouses on the hour mark of the match.
The All Whites were celebrating a fourth goal ten minutes later, Ben Waine lashing home a low shot to the right of the goal through a crowded box after getting a second bite of the cherry.
La Roja would get their consolation goal and give their supporters something to cheer about as Gonzalo Tapia made it 4-1.
The All Whites' next scheduled match is against England in a friendly on 7 June in Florida, USA.
All Whites 4 (Kosta Barbarouses 31', Eli Just 40', Jesse Randall 60', Ben Waine 71')
Chile 1 (Gonzalo Tapia 83')